Buddy Matthews

Buddy Matthews: biography

Buddy Matthews, whose real name is Matthew Adams, is an Australian professional wrestler. He currently wrestles for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as Buddy Matthews in the House of Black stable. He is also part of the reigning AEW World Trios Champions with Malakai Black and Brody King. Previously, he was known as Buddy Murphy during his time with WWE.

Childhood and youth

Matthew Adams was born in Melbourne, Victoria on September 26, 1988. Growing up in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Matthews developed a passion for sports and adventure from an early age. He attended Berwick Secondary College, where he completed his education in 2006.

During his formative years, Matthews displayed a natural athleticism and an adventurous spirit. He gravitated towards extreme sports, engaging in activities such as bungee jumping, rock climbing, and swimming with great whales. These experiences helped shape his fearlessness and determination, qualities that would later serve him well in the wrestling ring.

Additionally, Matthews nurtured a love for Australian rules football, specifically supporting his hometown team, the Carlton Football Club. This allegiance to his local club would later find its way into his wrestling persona, as his WWE ring name, Murphy, paid tribute to former Carlton midfielder and small forward, Marc Murphy.

As a young wrestling enthusiast, Matthews undoubtedly drew inspiration from the larger-than-life characters and thrilling matches he witnessed. It was during this time that his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler began to take shape, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in the industry.

Wrestling career

With a career spanning over a decade, Matthews has showcased his skills and talent in various promotions, leaving a lasting impression on fans worldwide.

Matthews gained initial recognition during his time in WWE, where he performed under the ring names Buddy Murphy and Murphy. He joined the company's developmental territory, NXT, and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2014, Murphy formed a tag team with Wesley Blake, and together they captured the NXT Tag Team Championship. The duo held the titles for a considerable period, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the tag team division.

Following his success in NXT, Matthews transitioned to the main roster, competing on WWE's flagship shows, Raw and SmackDown. He continued to showcase his in-ring abilities and received accolades for his performances. Matthews' singles career reached its peak when he captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in 2018, displaying his versatility and high-flying style.

After parting ways with WWE in 2020, Matthews embarked on a new chapter in his career. He joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021, debuting under the name Buddy Matthews. He aligned himself with the House of Black stable, led by the enigmatic Malakai Black. This alliance brought out a darker side of Matthews, captivating fans with his intense persona and relentless aggression.

Matthews joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on February 23, 2022, aligning himself with Malakai Black and Brody King of the House of Black. AEW president Tony Khan confirmed Matthews's signing with the company. At Revolution on March 5, 2023, the House of Black defeated The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson) to win the AEW World Trios Championship.

In a short span of time, Matthews made a significant impact in AEW. He formed a formidable trio with Malakai Black and Brody King, collectively known as the House of Black. The trio went on to capture the AEW World Trios Championship, solidifying their dominance in the tag team division.

Buddy Matthews' wrestling career has been defined by his exceptional in-ring skills, compelling character work, and ability to adapt to different promotions. With his talent and drive, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling, captivating audiences with his passion and determination.

Personal life

Adams was previously engaged to professional wrestler Alexis Cabrera, known as Alexa Bliss, but they ended their engagement in September 2018 and remain friends. Since 2022, he has been in a relationship with Australian wrestler Demi Bennett, also known as Rhea Ripley.

Adams has a background in extreme sports, including bungee jumping, rock climbing, and swimming with whales. He is a fan of the Carlton Football Club, his hometown Australian rules football team, and his WWE ring name, Murphy, is a nod to former Carlton player Marc Murphy.

Championships and accomplishments

One-time NXT Tag Team Champion

All Elite Wrestling:

• AEW World Trios Championship (1 time, current) with Brody King and Malakai Black

Ballarat Pro Wrestling:

• BPW Australian Championship (1 time)

CBS Sports:

• Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year (2018)

Melbourne City Wrestling:

• MCW Heavyweight Championship (2 times, current)

Professional Championship Wrestling:

• PCW State Championship (1 time)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated:

• Ranked No. 33 in the PWI 500 for 2019 (top 500 singles wrestlers)

WWE:

• NXT Tag Team Championship (1 time) with Wesley Blake/Blake
• WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)
• WWE Raw Tag Team Championship (1 time) with Seth Rollins